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Commemorative Coins & Coin Sets

All the coins listed below are currently available by calling the Collector Coin Unit on 1890 307 607 (Republic of Ireland only) or +353 1 248 3605. Postage charges apply.

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2017 Annual Mint Set (Irish Lighthouses and Irish Coast Guard)

The seas around Ireland have provided a source of food and security while encouraging a long tradition of skilled sailors. The theme of this year’s Annual Mint Set is ‘Irish Lighthouses and the Irish Coast Guard’ and this is the final part of our ‘Island Nation’ series. The set pays tribute to the vital work carried out by the Irish Coast Guard and Irish Lighthouses. This set contains the eight standard circulating coins for 2017. Each coin is minted to brilliant uncirculated quality, and is enclosed in packaging illustrated with text and images. The 2017 Annual Mint Set has an issue limit of 8,000 pieces.

Originally scheduled for launch in March, the release of the 2017 Annual Mint Set was postponed due to the crash of Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 116 on March 14th off the coast of Co. Mayo. Following this tragic event, the Central Bank received permission from the Minister for Finance to donate the proceeds from the sale of the Annual Mint Set to a charity selected by the Central Bank. As the 2017 Annual Mint set pays tribute to the Irish Coast Guard and Commissioners of Irish Lights, the RNLI has been selected to receive the proceeds of the 2017 Annual Mint set. The funds will be donated to the RNLI for use in Irish search and rescue projects.

Price: €29

Issue Date: 10 July 2017

2016 €10 Silver Proof Coin (Eileen Gray)

(Permission to reproduce 'Screen' was granted by MoMA)

The 2016 €10 silver proof coin is the first in a new five-year Europa Star silver coin programme commemorating the ‘Ages of Europe’. The 2016 theme is ‘Modern 20th Century Europe’ and is inspired by the architectural designs as featured on the €500 banknote. This coin is also the Central Bank of Ireland’s first collector coin to commemorate the achievements of an Irish woman.

Eileen Gray was born in Enniscorthy in 1878 but lived the majority of her life in France. She became a pre-eminent figure within the Modernist movement and was initially acclaimed for her work with lacquer. Her notable later works include the modernist villa E-1027, the accompanying ‘E-1027 table’ and her armchair 'Fauteuil aux dragons', which sold at auction in 2009 for €22m. Gray’s designs were often praised for their functionality in addition to their aesthetic form. Gray lived to see a resurgence of interest in her work in the 1970s and her famous Brick Screen has become an icon of modernist design.

This silver proof coin was designed by Sandra Deiana. Sandra says she was 'immediately struck by the idea of designing a coin to pay tribute to a female artist who worked in a period when it was still difficult to succeed in the world of work, especially in the arts [...] I wanted to emphasize Gray’s great contribution to the "International Style” of twentieth century Europe [...] Among her many works, I find "Screen" to be emblematic of her entire artistic career and therefore ideally represents the best of her artistic potential'.

This proof coin comes in a presentation box with a certificate of authenticity. The diameter of this coin is 38.61mm and it weighs 28.28g. The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver and is strictly limited to 6,000 pieces.

The Central Bank has received some limited customer feedback about the condition of this commemorative coin received. If you have any concerns about the quality or condition of the coin you received, please contact us on 1890 777 777 between 09:00 and 18:00 or email us at coinsets@centralbank.ie. The Central Bank of Ireland is committed to the highest standards of quality and we take customer feedback very seriously. While we have contacted the majority of our customers, there are a limited number of customers for whom we do not have contact details. Please contact us if you have any questions.

2016 €15 Silver Proof Coin (Proclamation of the Irish Republic)

The silver proof coin issued to commemorate the centenary of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic is a magnificent tribute to the momentous events of 1916. This striking coin depicts a representation of Hibernia with key words and phrases from the Proclamation. Struck in .925 sterling silver, the large size of this coin shows off the detail of the elegant Hibernia figure to best effect. The coin is issued with a certificate of authenticity and a document tracing the history of this momentous occasion.

The issue limit for this €15 silver proof coin is 18,000, and the coin was issued on 4 April 2016.

2016 €50 Gold Proof Coin (Proclamation of the Irish Republic)

The gold proof coin contains a quarter ounce of .999 fine gold and is struck to the highest proof quality. This beautiful coin will be in great demand throughout the world for its historic theme and beautiful rendering of the Hibernia figure. The coin is issued with a certificate of authenticity and a document tracing the history of this momentous occasion.

The designer of this coin, Michael Guilfoyle, says that “Behind the figure of Hibernia, standing proudly holding her spear and harp, is an arrangement of key words and phrases from the Proclamation of the Irish Republic”.

The issue limit for this coin is 5,500, and the coin was issued on 4 April 2016.

2016 €2 Coin Card (Proclamation of the Irish Republic)

Ireland's first national commemorative €2 coin is available in this coin card and is the perfect way to obtain and treasure an uncirculated version of this historic coin.

The designer of this coin, Emmet Mullins, describes the design as, “featuring a depiction of the statue of Hibernia on top of the GPO where she has witnessed the events of 1916 and watched the growth of a nation since the Rising”. The coin includes the centenary dates, and the name Hibernia in hand-rendered lettering influenced by the book of Kells.

2016 €2 Bookmark (Proclamation of the Irish Republic)

An uncirculated version of the 2016 €2 commemorative coin designed by Emmet Mullins is also available as a collectable bookmark.

The designer of this coin, Emmet Mullins, describes the design as, “featuring a depiction of the statue of Hibernia on top of the GPO where she has witnessed the events of 1916 and watched the growth of a nation since the Rising”. The coin includes the centenary dates, and the name Hibernia in hand-rendered lettering influenced by the book of Kells.

2016 €2 Proof Coin (Proclamation of the Irish Republic)

This limited edition €2 proof quality collector coin is issued in its own presentation case and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

This is a chance to own Ireland's first commemorative €2 coin in a high-quality proof. Proof coins are minted differently to a coin in general circulation, and are distinguishable by their defined, intricate and shiny appearance. To achieve this, the coins are struck twice during the minting process, are individually handled and protectively stored in order to prevent tarnishing. This is in comparison to general circulation coins which are struck once during the minting process, and are handled in bulk.

The designer of this coin, Emmet Mullins, describes the design as, “featuring a depiction of the statue of Hibernia on top of the GPO where she has witnessed the events of 1916 and watched the growth of a nation since the Rising”. The coin includes the centenary dates, and the name Hibernia in hand-rendered lettering influenced by the book of Kells.

2016 Proof Coin Set (Proclamation of the Irish Republic)

This limited edition proof coin set includes the new commemorative €2 coin, in addition to the eight standard circulating coins, also in proof quality. The set is completed by a certificate of authenticity and illustrated booklet tracing the historic events of 1916.

The designer of this coin, Emmet Mullins, describes the design as, “featuring a depiction of the statue of Hibernia on top of the GPO where she has witnessed the events of 1916 and watched the growth of a nation since the Rising”. The coin includes the centenary dates, and the name Hibernia in hand-rendered lettering influenced by the book of Kells.

2016 Annual Mint Set (Proclamation of the Irish Republic)

The Ireland Annual Mint Set for 2016 commemorates in text and pictures the events around the Easter Rising and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. This set contains the 2016 €2 commemorative coin in addition to the eight standard circulating coins. Each coin is minted to brilliant uncirculated quality, and is packaged with a beautifully designed booklet detailing the historic events of Easter 1916.

The designer of this coin, Emmet Mullins, describes the design as, “featuring a depiction of the statue of Hibernia on top of the GPO where she has witnessed the events of 1916 and watched the growth of a nation since the Rising”. The coin includes the centenary dates, and the name Hibernia in hand-rendered lettering influenced by the book of Kells.

Baby Sets (2017-2010)

The perfect gift to celebrate the arrival of a baby, the Baby Set is available for the years 2010-2017. The set contains all eight coins (€2 to 1c) for the year in brilliant uncirculated condition. The packaging, with its Celtic-inspired design, features an old Irish blessing and has space to insert a photograph of the child. Additionally, the packaging offers the opportunity to record details of significance in the baby's development, including the date, time and place of birth, birth weight, and the dates of the child's first smile, tooth, crawl and walk. This unique gift is a beautiful way to commemorate a child's year of birth.

2015 €10 Silver Proof Coin (70th Anniversary of Peace in Europe)

This €10 Silver proof coin commemorates the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 70th anniversary of peace in Europe. This coin was launched on Tuesday 27 October 2015.

This coin, which bears the Europa Symbol, is part of the European Silver Programme. The theme for 2015 is '70th Anniversary of Peace in Europe'. It also commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II.

The olive branch is a widely accepted universal symbol of peace and this coin design by Michael Guilfoyle takes a unique and visually interesting approach with a decorative design featuring an arrangement of doves bearing olive branches.

This coin has an issue limit of 8,000 pieces and is struck in .925 sterling silver. The diameter of this coin is 38.61 mm and the coin weighs 28.28 grammes.

Price: €55.00

2015 €15 Silver Proof Coin (W.B. Yeats)

This €15 Silver Proof coin commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of William Butler Yeats, the Irish poet and Nobel Laureate was launched on 3 June 2015.

The design, by Irish artist Mary Gregoriy, tries to make a visual poem with rhythm and beat. Not with words but with pictures.

The coin, with an issue limit of 8,000 pieces, is struck in .925 sterling silver, has a diameter of 38.61mm and weighs 28.28 grammes.

Price: €44.00

2015 €15 Silver Proof Coin (Ernest Walton)

This €15 silver proof coin honours Irishman Professor Ernest Walton and is the second coin in our Science and Inventions series. Walton and his Cambridge colleague John Cockcroft shared a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1951 for ‘disintegrating the nucleus of the lithium atom by bombardment with accelerated protons’. The coin was launched on 13 January 2015.

The design, by Irish artist Rory Breslin, portrays his impression of the manoeuvres of the experiment and the resulting explanation of Einstein’s famous mass/energy equivalence equation, E = mc2

The issue limit is 6,000 pieces. The diameter is 38.61 mm and the coin weighs 28.28 grammes. The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver.

Price: €44.00

2015 Annual Mint Set (Marine Flora & Fauna)

The seas around Ireland have provided a source of food and security while encouraging a long tradition of skilled sailors. This 2015 Uncirculated Euro Coin Set pays tribute to Ireland’s proud maritime heritage and its costal flora and fauna.

The issue limit is 10,000.

Price: €25.00

2014 €15 Silver Proof Coin (John Philip Holland)

This €15 Silver Proof coin honouring the development of the modern submarine by John Philip Holland is the first coin in a new series celebrating Irish Science and Inventions. The coin was launched on 1 September 2014.

The design, by Irish artist Mary Gregoriy, features a representation of the structural drawings for one of Holland’s submarines.

The issue limit is 10,000 pieces. The diameter is 38.61 mm and the coin weighs 28.28 grammes. The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver.

Price: €44.00

2014 €20 Gold Proof Coin (Battle of Clontarf)

This €20 Gold Proof coin commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf was launched on 30 April 2014.

The coin depicts the Irish High King Brian Ború and was designed by Irish artist and sculptor Noel Hoare.

The issue limit is 12,000 pieces. The diameter is 11.00 mm and the coin weighs 0.5 grammes. The coin is struck in .999 Fine Gold.

Price: €48.00

2014 €10 Silver Proof Coin (John McCormack)

This €10 Silver Proof coin was launched on 29 January 2014. The coin, which bears the Europa symbol, is part of the European Silver Programme. The theme for 2014 was ‘European Musicians’.

The coin depicts the famous Irish tenor John McCormack and was designed by Michael Guilfoyle. The issue limit is 8,000 pieces. The diameter is 38.61 mm and the coin weighs 28.28 grammes. The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver.

Price: €44.00

2014 Annual Mint Set (An Island Nation)

The seas around Ireland have provided a source of food and security while encouraging a long tradition of skilled sailors. This 2014 Uncirculated Euro Coin Set pays tribute to Ireland’s proud maritime heritage.

The issue limit is 12,000.

Price: €25.00

2013 €20 Gold Proof Coin (Medieval Irish Architecture)

This €20 Gold Proof Coin celebrating Medieval Irish Architecture and featuring elements of the Rock of Cashel was launched on 12 November 2013.

The designer is artist Mary Gregoriy. The issue limit is 10,000 pieces. The diameter is 11.00 mm and the coin weighs 0.5 grammes. The coin is struck in .999 Fine Gold.

Price: €48.00

2013 €15 Silver Proof Coin (The Lockout)

The 2013 €15 Silver Proof coin commemorating the centenary of the 1913 Dublin Lockout was launched on 24 September 2013. The designer is Rory Breslin.

The coin (.925 Sterling Silver) weighs 28.28g with a diameter of 38.61m. The issue limit is 10,000 pieces.

Price: €44.00

2013 Two-Coin Set (JFK)

The 2013 €20 Gold Proof and €10 Silver Proof Coin Set commemorating the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Ireland was launched on 27 June 2013. The issue limit is 10,000 (gold & silver). The €20 Gold Proof Coin (.999 Gold) weighs 1g with a diameter of 13.92mm. The €10 Silver Proof Coin (.925 Sterling Silver) weighs 28.28g with a diameter of 38.61mm.

The designer is sculptor Tom Fitzgerald who lives and works in Limerick.

Price: €130.00

2013 €10 Silver Proof Coin (JFK)

The 2013 €10 Silver Proof Coin commemorating the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Ireland was launched on 27 June 2013. The issue limit is 15,000 pieces. The Coin (.925 Sterling Silver) weighs 28.28g with a diameter of 38.61mm.

The designer is sculptor Tom Fitzgerald who lives and works in Limerick.

Price: €50.00

2013 Annual Mint Set (Harp)

The 2013 Annual Mint Set was issued on 6 January 2013 and celebrates the Irish Harp. The harp has long been associated with Ireland since earliest times featuring prominently in Irish folklore and legend. A harp first appeared on the coinage of Henry VIII and has been used on modern Irish coins since the original Percy Metcalfe designs issued in 1928.

The issue limit is 15,000.

Price: €25.00

2012 €15 Silver Proof Coin (Hound)

This coin was launched on 12 December 2012. It is the last in a three-year series which pays homage to the original 1928 Irish coin designs by Percy Metcalfe. This modern interpretation of the original design is by Emmet Mullins.

The issue limit is 8,000 pieces. The diameter is 38.61 mm and the coin weighs 28.28 grammes. The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver.

Price: €46.00

2012 Proof Coin Set

The 2012 Proof Set was launched on 30 July 2012. This proof set includes the 2012 commemorative €2 coin celebrating the 10th anniversary of Euro Coin and Banknotes in addition to the standard eight circulating coins also in proof quality, all dated 2012. This exclusive proof set is strictly limited to 5,000.

Price: €70.00

2012 €10 Silver Proof Coin (Jack B Yeats)

This €10 Silver Proof coin was launched on 25 January 2012. The coin, which bears the Europa symbol, is part of the European Silver Programme. The theme for 2012 was ‘European Artists’.

The coin depicts Jack B Yeats and was designed by Michael Guilfoyle. The issue limit is 12,000. The diameter is 38.61 mm and the coin weighs 28.28 grammes. The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver.

Price: €46.00

2012 Annual Mint Set (Hound)

The 2012 Annual Mint Set was launched on 6 January 2012. This is the last set in a three-year series featuring the animals of Irish coinage. The Hound is depicted on the packaging.

The issue limit is 17,000.

Price: €25.00

2011 €15 Silver Proof Coin (Salmon)

This coin was launched on 10 October 2011. It is the second in a three-year series which pays homage to the original 1928 Irish coin designs by Percy Metcalfe. This modern interpretation of the original design is by Emmet Mullins.

The issue limit is 12,000. The diameter is 38.61 mm and the coin weighs 28.28 grammes. The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver.

Price: €46.00

2010 Annual Mint Set (Horse)

The 2010 Annual Mint Set was launched on 14 January 2010. The set is the first in a 3 year series featuring animals of Irish coinage. The horse is depicted on the packaging. The salmon and the hound featured on the 2011 and 2012 sets respectively.

The issue limit is 20,000.

Price: €25.00

2009 Proof Coin Set

The 2009 Proof Set was launched on 22 July 2009. This proof set includes the 2009 commemorative €2 coin celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Economic and Monetary Union in Europe, in addition to the standard eight circulating coins also in proof quality, all dated 2009.

This exclusive proof set is strictly limited to 5,000.

Price: €80.00

2009 Annual Mint Set (GAA)

Celebrating 125 Years of the GAA, the 2009 Annual Mint Set was launched on 30th January 2009. The set contains each of the 8 euro coins in brilliant uncirculated quality and is presented in this very attractive and informative display. The Issue limit is 25,000.

The GAA is the largest sporting organisation in Ireland with approximately 2,500 clubs and 800,000 members. The games that it promotes, Gaelic football and hurling (as well as handball, rounders, camogie and Ladies’ football) are played across the island and throughout the diaspora. It’s national stadium, Croke Park, which holds 82,300 people, embodies the success of the GAA in the 21st Century.

Price: €25.00

2008 Annual Mint Set (Newgrange)

The 2008 Annual Mint Set is the sixth and final mint set in the 'Heritage of Ireland' series. It features the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange. Built over 5000 years ago, the burial chamber is entered through a long stone passage with the whole area being covered by a huge mound. The tomb is bordered by 97 kerb stones bearing decorative patterns in the Megalithic art style.

Price: €24.00

2007 Treaty of Rome Mint Set

This set was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome. 13 member states issued a special €2 commemorative coin to celebrate the anniversary, featuring a common design of the treaty and the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome where the Treaty of Rome was signed. This was the first time a coin was issued by all euro-area members to commemorate the same event, it was also the first time that a €2 coin with a common design on both sides was circulated throughout the euro area.

Price: €25.00

2007 Proof Coin Set

This is the second proof set issued by the Central Bank of Ireland. This set includes the commemorative €2 Treaty of Rome coin in proof quality, in addition to the standard eight circulating coins also in proof quality, all dated 2007. This exclusive proof set is strictly limited to 10,000.